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Minds Not At Rest

Most of us can recall those nights where we can't seem to get to sleep or stay asleep because our minds just won't shut off. You know the ones I am talking about~ try as you might, you can't sleep because there is this never ending tape running through your head. It plays and replays the days events or the worries and concerns we have in general. When I have one of those nights, my list goes something like this: my finances are not what they should be, did I do the right thing in a given situation at work, why is my boss the way she is... You get the idea.
The thing is these things that keep me awake, as important as they may seem to be, are really just temporary. It was the line in Ecclesiastes that got my attention today at Mass; "...even at night his mind is not at rest." But it is the toiling away that keeps our minds from resting at times.
Today's Gospel puts it all in perspective; we are to store our treasure for and in heaven. So maybe my nightly tape should go something more like this: when was the last time I went to confession, am I praying often and well enough, am I doing enough to serve God and others. Those are the things that will help me to get to heaven. My job and my bank account will surely fade away.

PrayerHeavenly Father,Help me to remember that the things of this earth will pass away, but that You and Your Word will not. Grant me the grace to store up my treasure in heaven and be less concerned with material things, desiring only what I truly need.In keeping my eyes and mind on You, I know that I will someday gain the treasure that awaits me in my true heavenly home.All of this I pray in Jesus' name.Amen.

Comments

We all have these "re-winding tapes" moments. I usually pray: "Do not let your fears guide you, but allow God to do so.”

I work out, on paper if needs be, what it is that bothers me. Writing it down focusses the mind. Then I ask whether I can do something about it. If Yes, pray and do it. If No, pray and hand it over to God.

By the way, you're welcome to copy today's post on my Blog. I've replied to you there.

That line from Ecclesiastes convicted me as well. I had never thought about sleepless nights as a result of vanity. I remember hearing a story about Pope John XXIII. Every night before he'd go to bed, he'd tell God "Well, I did the best I could today, it's your church, you take care of it tonight! I'm going to bed!"

It can be tough to turn off the "brain chatter". I've worked on this for soooo many years and pray about it a lot. I know that the Lord is trying to help me with this so when I go to bed I picture myself handing Him the burdens of the day. The Rosary helps, too!